Head of a Woman 1908

Abraham Walkowitz made this ink on paper, Head of a Woman, in 1908. The gestural lines and fractured planes, owing a debt to Cubism and Futurism, convey a sense of the sitter's inner state. Walkowitz was part of the circle of Alfred Stieglitz, who promoted avant-garde art in New York City through his gallery, 291. Stieglitz, and his partner Georgia O'Keeffe, were dedicated to exhibiting the work of emerging artists and photographers, and fought against the conservative hold of the National Academy. During a period of increasing immigration and industrialization in the United States, the Stieglitz circle embraced European modernism, celebrating its ability to express the dynamism of modern life. Understanding this image requires historical knowledge of the American art world, and research into figures like Stieglitz, and the emergence of modern art institutions. By considering these factors, we gain a deeper appreciation of this seemingly simple portrait.